Identification of key tumour and metastasis suppressor genes in breast cancer

Inactivation of tumour suppressor and metastasis suppressor genes is a key step in the pathogenesis of all epithelial cancers. Two PhD students are currently taking both candidate and screening approaches to identify and functionally characterize such genes in breast cancers. In particular we are using RNAi and next generation sequencing strategies in combination with both in vitro and in vivo invasion and metastasis models. Our goal is to increase our understanding of the metastatic process and to understand the mechanisms underlying breast cancer relapse years after the initial diagnosis. Most importantly, we will use this information to identify pathways that play a key role in the invasive/metastatic process, with the long term aim of designing novel therapeutic approaches.